合理 (hélǐ)

合理 describes something that conforms to reason, logic, fairness, or established principles. It is used to evaluate whether a decision, plan, price, request, or arrangement makes sense and can be justified.

Meanings

[adjective] Reasonable; rational; sensible; justified; fair.

Example Sentences

这个价格是合理的，符合市场行情。 Zhège jiàgé shì hélǐ de, fúhé shìchǎng hángqíng. This price is reasonable and consistent with market rates.

他的要求非常合理，公司应该予以考虑。 Tā de yāoqiú fēicháng hélǐ, gōngsī yīnggāi yǔyǐ kǎolǜ. His request is very reasonable, and the company should give it consideration.

在制定工作计划时，要合理分配时间和资源。 Zài zhìdìng gōngzuò jìhuà shí, yào hélǐ fēnpèi shíjiān hé zīyuán. When drawing up a work plan, you should allocate time and resources reasonably.

这项政策的设计不够合理，有待进一步完善。 Zhè xiàng zhèngcè de shèjì bùgòu hélǐ, yǒudài jìnyībù wánshàn. The design of this policy is not sufficiently rational and needs further improvement.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
合理分配	rational allocation
合理安排	reasonable arrangement
合理建议	reasonable suggestion
不合理	unreasonable; irrational
合理利用	rational use of

Usage Notes

合理 is the opposite of 不合理 (unreasonable) and is close in meaning to 合适 (héshì, suitable/appropriate), but 合理 emphasizes logical or principled justification, while 合适 focuses on fitness for a particular situation. 合理化 (hélǐhuà) means "to rationalize" or "to make more rational/efficient" and is common in business restructuring discussions.

Memory Hook

合 means "to fit/combine" and 理 means "principle/reason." Something 合理 fits neatly with reason and principle — like a key that fits perfectly in its lock.